Definition

Noun: 1. A competitive game: A game in which small, pointed missiles (darts) are thrown by hand at a circular target (dartboard) fixed to a wall. The objective is to score points by hitting specific numbered sections. 2. The activity or sport of playing this game: Refers to the act or practice of participating in a game of darts.

Usage and Examples

• As a singular/uncountable noun referring to the game or activity:
  • We played darts at the pub last night.
  • He is very skilled at darts.
  • Darts is a popular game in many countries.
• As a plural noun referring to the physical objects:
  • He bought a new set of tungsten darts.
  • Please be careful with those sharp darts.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a game of darts": To play darts.
  • Let's have a quick game of darts before we leave.
• "to throw darts": The physical action of playing.
  • She throws darts with great accuracy.

Variants and Related Words

• Dart (noun): A small, thin, pointed missile used in the game of darts or as a toy.
  • He held the dart carefully before throwing.
• Dartboard (noun): The circular target used in the game of darts.
  • The dartboard was hung on the back of the door.
• Dart player (noun): A person who plays darts, especially competitively.
  • She is a professional dart player.

Synonyms

• Target game: A general term for games where players throw objects at a target.
• Pub game: A game commonly played in bars or pubs (darts is a classic example).

Related Phrases

• Bullseye: The central circle of a dartboard, which scores the highest points.
  • He won the match by hitting the bullseye.
• Oche / Toe line: The line behind which a player must stand when throwing a dart.
  • Please keep your feet behind the oche.
• Check out: To finish a game of darts by reducing one's score to exactly zero, often requiring a double.
  • He checked out with a double 16.

Noun

1. a game in which small pointed missiles are thrown at a dartboard